Android 16 Beta 4 Rolls Out With Final Fixes Ahead of Google IO 2025
- AndroBoy
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Google has finally released Android 16 Beta 4, which is the last milestone in the Android 16 beta series before the stable version arrives next month. With the Google I/O 2025 event being just around the corner, the update provides us with a final glimpse of what the next big thing in Android will bring. Full of critical bug fixes, security patches, and increased device support, Beta 4 is live for all qualified Pixel devices including the just-released Pixel 9a.
Let's dig in on what this update implies for Pixel users, what got fixed, what could still require some work, and why Android 16 Beta 4 is essential in the journey to the stable release.
Android 16 Beta 4
Beta 4 doesn't bring blockbuster features or revolutionary design tweaks but that's intentional. As the final pre-release beta before Android 16 goes live, its role is performance tweaking, bug squashing, and stability.
This build is all about putting Android 16 into tip-top shape, readying everything for the masses. That means no new flagship features but under-the-hood enhancements are aplenty.
Beta 4 Key Highlights
Here are some of the major takeaways from Android 16 Beta 4:
🔒 Includes April 2025 security patch
🧰 Fixes several critical bugs and CVEs
📱 Adds support for Pixel 9a in the Android Beta Program
🐞 Addresses bugs like battery drain, glitchy haptics, and Pixel Weather radar
🔁 OTA update rolling out with build BP22.250325.007
💽 Factory images available for manual installation
🚫 "Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock" appears to be missing for some users
Supported Devices for Android 16 Beta 4
The Android 16 Beta 4 update is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, ensuring comprehensive testing before final release. Here’s a list of all supported models:
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel 8
Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9a (first time!)
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet
If you own any of these devices, you can either wait for the OTA (Over The Air) update or flash the factory image manually.
What’s Been Fixed?
Beta 4 covers the April 2025 Android Security Bulletin that addresses two surreptitious bugs and a range of high-priority Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The solutions in this fix are vital in hardening Android phones against known exploitations and weaknesses.
While Google hasn’t detailed every CVE in the public changelog, expect fixes related to:
Kernel vulnerabilities
Framework permission leaks
Bluetooth security patches
WebView and Chrome engine patches
This helps ensure Pixel devices running Beta 4 are not only feature-ready but security-hardened as well.
Major Bug Fixes in Android 16 Beta 4
Although no flashy features were introduced, Google did sneak in some key bug fixes to improve everyday performance. According to the official release notes, Beta 4 solves a wide range of issues, including:
1. 🔋 Battery Drain Fix
Users had been complaining about rapid battery drain in earlier beta versions. Beta 4 addresses power management bugs, leading to better standby time and battery endurance.
2. 🎮 Haptic Feedback Glitches
Haptics felt off? Google has resolved issues with inconsistent or weak vibration feedback across several apps and system interactions.
3. 🌦️ Radar Not Working in Pixel Weather App
The Pixel Weather app had issues rendering radar data. This has been resolved, bringing full functionality back to the app.
4. 📱 System Stability
Frequent random system crashes, reboots, or unresponsive launcher scenarios have now been smoothed out for a snappier, more reliable experience.
5. 🧩 Launcher Crash Issues
The Pixel Launcher, central to the Pixel experience, had been crashing unexpectedly during transitions or multitasking. Beta 4 applies a patch to fix this issue.
Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock Missing?
Even with the patches, some Pixel users have complained that one of the most popular features "Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock" is gone after Beta 4 installation.
This was a feature where one could unlock the phone using fingerprint when the screen was turned off. Noticed by users on Reddit and reported by Android Police, the feature is missing from the settings after the update. Whether this is a deliberate removal or a temporary glitch is uncertain. Google has not made an official announcement.
This could make its way into the stable build—so keep your fingers (literally) crossed.
Pixel 9a Joins the Beta Club
One of the most exciting parts of Android 16 Beta 4 is the first-time inclusion of the Pixel 9a. Launched recently, the Pixel 9a is now officially part of the Android Beta Program.
Pixel 9a owners can now:
Get a head start on Android 16
Help test and report bugs
Experience Android 16’s performance and design tweaks early
This shows Google’s commitment to fast-tracking support for its newest devices.
What Android 16 Beta 4 Tells Us About the Final Version
Since Beta 4 is the last beta before the Android 16 stable release in May 2025, it gives us a pretty clear picture of what the final version will feel like:
Refined performance
Battery efficiency
Solid stability
Matured Material You experience
Security-first approach
Expect a highly stable Android 16 version by Google I/O, which could be the launchpad for the final version alongside new Pixel hardware and AI features.
Android 16 Beta 4 may appear dull at first glance, but it's an important milestone to the finest version of Android to date. By fixing serious pain points, patching up vulnerabilities, and preparing new devices such as the Pixel 9a, Google is ensuring that Android 16 goes live with no issues whatsoever.
With Google I/O 2025 set to announce AI integrations, Pixel 9 hardware, and the stable release of Android 16, Beta 4 provides us with a fast, secure, and bug-free base.